A Doggy Story

After much contemplation following string of questions posed by many individuals concerning the Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR) and its president, Puspa Rani, I feel it is high time I too explain myself.

Back then, I had quit my former company, The New Straits Times and was taking a breather. This friend of mine had relayed her experiences and requested me to write about it. However, since I was jobless and with lack of evidence back then, the story never came to light until the floods hit MIAR’s Kajang shelter last month.

The extent of the damage the flood had caused at MIAR’s Kajang shelter on Dec 20, 2014.

The irony on how I stumbled upon the expose was when Puspa herself – without me asking – revealed that many were against her and the work the NGO was doing. This got me reminded of my mutual friend and sent the alarm bells ringing in my head.

However, when probed on how many dogs died or went missing, Puspa dodged the question and instead remarked that it was insensitive for journalists to ask her this question as she was mourning.

I understood her plight and felt sorry for the animal activist but at the same time, taking a good look around, my Conscience tingled as something felt dodgy (or shall I say, doggy?). Upon getting the figure from one of her volunteer, Puspa relented and said some dogs died and some had run away.

It was only after this particular news report, when I conducted a thorough investigation, I realised that there was a particular Facebook page titled, “Malaysia Independent Animal Rescue (MIAR) – The Truth”(now removed by Facebook for unspecified reasons) where allegations after allegations were made on how the woman had been misappropriating funds from the NGO.

In imploring the page’s administrator, requesting for volunteers and people I can speak to, I was approached by a group of former MIAR volunteers who relayed to me (with evidence) the extent of Puspa’s misconduct which not only led 10 police reports lodged, but also a letter of de-registration by the Registrar of Societies (RoS) (the committee members have appealed for a re-registration as they said the misappropriation of funds was done by one person).

A press statement by the MIAR committee on the de-registration of the NGO by RoS

Being a journalist, and understanding that these are allegations until Puspa is found guilty in court, I felt it was only fair to get her side of the story.

When I managed to get hold of Puspa, she said that the allegations were untrue and demanded proof. In stating that the allegations were made to tarnish her reputation, she also threatened that should the story be published, she would not only sue the organisation I am in but me as well for a news report deemed defamatory.

Puspa’s legal letter

When I explained that there were evidences (bank statements etc) along with police reports, her rebut was this; “Anyone can lodge a police report. If I lodge a police report against you for raping me, what are you going to say to that?”

I personally felt that the manner and tone she said this appeared threatening. But again, I suppose it could be because she was terribly pissed about the whole thing or perhaps the allegations are true.

On top of that, I also received two phone calls from one Mr Maniam and one Miss Santha.

Maniam, who claimed he is a columnist from The Star, rung me up and said to settle the matter amicably. Imploring me to go have tea with him, he urged me to put the story on hold.

I declined and said I wouldn’t mind the tea (I love tea!) but will only have it when Puspa organises a press conference to explain her self to the public. I feel, since the allegations are already talk of the town among animal lovers and animal activists, with many coming out in the open to reveal the extent of her alleged misconducts, I felt that she should do the same too.

Next, I got a call from Miss Santha who claimed she is Puspa’s sister. She too pleaded the story not to be published and threatened legal action should it be done otherwise.

I found it silly and curious as the story was yet to be published and here are three people (including Puspa) who are trying hard to make sure that the news report is not made public. I am just doing my job as a journalist.

Although I agree that her reputation is on the line, but should it be untrue, the most professional thing to do is to rebuke it in the open. Why give the impression that you’re afraid if you’ve claimed to not have done anything wrong?

A dog lover, Carol Ng, who had visited the alleged site BEFORE Puspa’s raid said there were no evidence of over breeding as alleged by the famous animal activist.

This led to a plethora of questions swirling in my head to which I tried contacting Puspa for comments. However, there was no response from her side (she has also blocked me on Facebook). She had also said that she would be holding a press conference prior to the stories being released, however, till this date, there are no updates about it. And since she has blocked me on the social network site, I also highly doubt she’ll invite me for the press conference..

The alleged donors in a dog lover’s group on Facebook whom I had spoken to

This story ties well with the misappropriation of funds claims BUT again, these are just allegations until it is proven in court.

However, my question is, if you’re not in the wrong, then why remain silent? Why not come out in the open and answer these allegations as not only journalists like me are interested to know the other side of the coin, but also the general public?

Not only does this concern the reputation of Puspa and MIAR, but also ultimately questions the credibility of other similar NGOs which are working really hard for their respective causes.

Puspa has to explain her side of the story to the public. They deserve to know.

Regardless, I feel the real victims are not her former committee members, MIAR or the donors nor even Puspa.

But the rescued dogs.

The real victims

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Comments

There are many NGO and independent rescuer out there making huge hefty profit asking for donations here and there by swindling on human sympathy. Only God knows what is right and what is not. It’s not easy to do charity nowadays. Do not fall into the traps of donating to any shelters or independent rescuer. Always ask for audited bank statement, receipts of donations, pictures of pets, before and after, pictures or videos of conditions of shelters, interview volunteers before donating and reviews of the shelters or perhaps a visit to the shelter I think Mr.Sukhbir had brought up a very good reminder and creating awareness to the readers of this article. On the other hand, i also notice that, the medical bills in certain shelter is directed towards a specific vet or pet shop only. Might be a joint scam from both parties. So, readers out there, always be cautious when doing charity. You might never know what the money is used for.